Charles Fletcher suspended for two years

MEDIA RELEASE – For immediate use, 16 May 2013
Charles Fletcher suspended for two years

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal has suspended Hamilton lawyer Charles Fletcher from practising as a lawyer for a period of two years from 24 May 2013.

Mr Fletcher had pleaded guilty to a charge of professional misconduct which was brought by the New Zealand Law Society’s Waikato Bay of Plenty Section 356 Standards Committee.

Following proceedings in the High Court, Mr Fletcher was found to have facilitated Charles Hohepa, a sole trustee of the PWFM Trust, in misappropriating over $250,000 of property belonging to the trust.

Mr Fletcher and Mr Hohepa were found jointly and severally liable for the misappropriated property. The High Court found Mr Fletcher had committed a breach of fiduciary duty, knowing receipt and dishonest assistance in acting for Mr Hohepa and the PWFM Trust. The finding was upheld by the Court of Appeal.

New Zealand Law Society Executive Director Christine Grice said it was very disappointing that Mr Fletcher’s actions had placed an enduring blemish on a 37-year career as a lawyer.

“Any lawyer who behaves dishonestly commits a serious breach of the trust which their clients and anyone requiring legal services should expect from the legal profession. Mr Fletcher has narrowly avoided being struck off but his behaviour was shameful.”

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